Senior living center planned for Newport Avenue

NORTH TUSTIN A senior living community, planned by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange for the vacant lot on Newport Avenue north of 17th Street, has neighbors and the surrounding community petitioning to stop it.

The county is now exploring residents' worries about noise, parking and traffic and considering other options like single-family homes or a church and school. The findings will be released in late October.

The Foothill Communities Association has already voiced its opposition to The Springs at Bethsaida and is circulating a petition to North Tustin residents. Members hope the petition will convince the Board of Supervisors to vote against the project, on Newport Avenue between Castlegate and La Loma.

The group has about 500 signed petitions so far and will send them to Supervisor Bill Campbell, according to Rick Nelson, president of the Foothill Communities Association.

If built, the two-story facility will have 153 units with 79 for independent living and 55 assisted living. The largest building, in the center of the property, would be two stories above ground with a basement. Nineteen one and two-bedroom bungalow homes with detached garages would surround the main building. And 164 parking spaces are planned.

The petitioners opposes changing the zoning to allow for multi-family residential properties. The 7.25-acre lot is zoned for single-family homes.

Changing the zoning, say members of the Foothill Communities Association, would violate the North Tustin Specific Plan, a 1983 agreement between residents and the county Board of Supervisors determining zoning in the area. The association's letter also says the project would be incompatible with the surrounding neighborhoods.

Members don't want to set precedent for future zone changes, such as from residential to commercial, and also are worried that traffic on Newport Avenue would increase.

A survey by the Foothill Communities Association showed that of the 20 properties bordering the Diocese's land, 16 residents are opposed, three undecided and one in favor of the new development.

Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange, which has owned the land between La Loma and Castlegate off Newport Ave. since 1956, hired Kisco Senior Living in 2006.

The company also runs BridgePoint at Los Altos, Emerald Court in Anaheim, Park Plaza in Orange, Valencia Terrace in Corona, Park Terrace in Rancho Santa Margarita and others in California, Florida, Hawaii, North Carolina and Virginia.

Once the draft environmental report is finished, residents can again voice concerns for the county to consider. Public hearings will be held at the North Tustin Advisory Committee, the Orange County Planning Commission and the county Board of Supervisors.

User Agreement

Keep it civil and stay on topic. No profanity, vulgarity, racial
slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about
tragedies will be blocked. By posting your comment, you agree to
allow Orange County Register Communications, Inc. the right to
republish your name and comment in additional Register publications
without any notification or payment.